Outline:
Section 1: Introduction
A. About This Course
B. Learning Objectives
Section 2: Assessment of Intellectual Functioning and Adaptive Behavior
A. Meet Andre
B. Definition and Nature of Intelligence
C. Intelligence as a Single Trait
D. Multi-Trait Hierarchical Phenomenon
E. Multiple Intelligences
F. Exercise: Testing Yourself on the Frameworks Used to Define Intelligence
G. Summary
Section 3: Limitations, Issues, and Guidelines
A. Significant Limitations in the Operational Definition of Intellectual Functioning
B. Issues and Guidelines Regarding the Measurement of Intelligence and the Interpretation of IQ Scores
C. Measurement Error
D. Test Fairness
E. The Flynn Effect
F. Comparability of Scores from Different Tests
G. Practice Effect
H. The Utility of Scores at the Extreme Ends of a Distribution
I. Extreme Scores
J. Diagnosis of ID is Protected from Extreme Scores
K. Determining a Cutoff Score
L. Evaluating the Role that an IQ Score Plays in Making a Diagnosis
M. Assessor Credentials
N. Test Selection
O. Assisting Christina
P. Summary
Section 4. Additional Assessment of Intellectual Functioning and Adaptive Behavior
A. A Definition of Adaptive Behavior
B. A Brief History of Why Adaptive Behavior is Included in the Diagnosis of ID
C. Adaptive Behavior and Standardized Measures
D. What to Consider When Assessing Adaptive Behavior
E. Summary
Section 5. Standardized Measures and Focus on Typical Performance
A. Use Standardized Measures
B. Focus on Typical Performance
C. Use Knowledgeable Respondents
D. When Standardized Assessments Cannot Be Used
E. Guidelines for When Standardized Assessments Cannot Be Used
F. Use of Standard Error of Measurement in Score Interpretation
G. Adaptive Versus Problem Behavior
H. Selection of Adaptive Behavior Measures
I. Summary
Section 6. Technical Adequacy and Standards
A. Technical Adequacy
B. Technical Standards for Adaptive Behavior Assessment Instruments
C. Appropriateness of the Measure for the Individual
D. Multi-Method Approaches to Measurement
E. Use of Self-Ratings
F. Individual’s Physical Condition and Mental Health
G. Identifying Factors that Influence Adaptive Behavior Scores
H. Guidelines for Selecting an Adaptive Behavior Scale for the Purpose of Diagnosing ID
I. Summary
Section 7. Future Considerations
A. Future Considerations
B. Exercise: Selecting the Appropriate Standardized Measure of Adaptive Behavior
C. Adele’s Adaptive Behavior Scale
D. Summary
Section 8. Conclusion
A. Summary
B. Course Contributors
C. Resources
D. References
E. Congratulations

Myra Lavenue has 16 years of experience creating educational material for online training, classroom training, technical manuals, user’s guides, quick-start guides, job aids, posters, video scripts, and newsletters. Her primary goal when developing instructions is always to write clearly, inform the reader, and engage the reader’s interest by using a voice the reader can relate to. Her customers have included Albertina Kerr Centers, Multnomah County (Oregon), Qwest Communications, American Express, Bellcore, AT&T, Intel Corporation, LAIKA Studios, Hewlett-Packard, The Gap, ACT Inc., John Deere, Rite Aid, and more. She has a BA in Biology from the University of Chicago, and a Master’s in Communications from New York University. Disclosure: Myra Lavenue, M.A. has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.

The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) stands at the forefront of defining what constitutes intellectual disability. AAIDD promotes the vision that with appropriate supports, you can enhance a person with an intellectual disability’s ability to function in society of a person with intellectual disability. Disclosure: American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.